In the fifth and sixth semesters, biotechnology students devote themselves to a specialization that indicates the direction in which their professional career should develop. There is a choice of:

• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Technology

Part-time study in Biotechnology is certainly possible, although it is only recommended for the first four semesters. As the last two semesters can sometimes be very intensive, students are advised to study the final year full-time if this is feasible.

A Master's degree in Biotechnology is certainly a very good choice, but not absolutely necessary, as the Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology is job-qualifying.

As it is not always so easy to decide whether a particular course of study is actually suitable for you, the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW offers prospective students the opportunity to take part in a free taster day. On this day, prospective students accompany students on the Bachelor's degree course in Biotechnology through exercises, lectures and internships and experience a day of study at first hand. The Universities will be happy to inform you about this taster course in Biotechnology.

Biotechnologists with a Bachelor's degree can be found in both the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors, in the food industry and the environmental sector, in chemical companies and the cosmetics industry. Biotechnology graduates can find interesting challenges in global corporations as well as in SMEs and start-ups. In research, production or the development of the latest active ingredients and preparations, biotechnologists take on specialist and management functions, deal with molecular and cell biological research, bioprocess development, environmental protection, bioenergy, production planning and coordination, biosafety, engineering and plant construction, quality management, bioanalytics or the areas of pharmaceutical technology.

During the first two semesters of the Bachelor's degree program in Biotechnology, students attend seminars, courses and modules in the module groups Natural Sciences and Technology and Communication. This includes modules on biology, microbiology, chemistry, English, computer science, mathematics, industrial engineering, physics, biotechnology as well as three internships and elective courses. In the second semester, there is also a cultural days project week. In the third semester, students attend courses on pharmacology and toxicology, cell culture technology, cell biology, bioprocess engineering, sterile technology, environmental biotechnology, measurement and automation technology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, quality management, English and six practical courses. Molecular biology, protein purification, literature work, bioprocess technology and biostatistics are added in the fourth semester and, with the exception of protein purification, are intensified in the fifth semester. In the fifth semester, topics such as quality management in biotechnology, personnel management as well as a term paper and the specialization modules (biotechnology or pharmaceutical technology) as well as compulsory elective modules in this specialization are added. Compulsory elective modules and in-depth modules are also taken in the sixth semester and the Bachelor's thesis is written.